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Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain

The Essence of Tai Ji

Chungliang Al Huang
Photographs by Si Chi Ko
With a new introduction by Chungliang Al Huang

Quick Overview

Written with true passion and eloquence, the book richly conveys the subtle yet profound principles underlying Tai Ji. Movement, stillness, joyfulness, and the ability to live in the moment are the threads running through the text, as well as the humor and compassion to acknowledge the impossibility of human perfection.

Description

To work with Al Huang is to learn to move with wind and water... in the course of everyday life... a truly superior and gifted teacher who works upon others as the sun and rain upon plants.'

- From the foreword by Alan Watts, one of the great writers of Comparative Philosophy and Religion and Taoist and Zen literature.

First published in 1973, this all time classic of Tai Ji literature remains as fresh and illuminating today as when it was first published. Written with true passion and eloquence, the book richly conveys the subtle yet profound principles underlying Tai Ji. Movement, stillness, joyfulness, and the ability to live in the moment are the threads running through the text, as well as the humor and compassion to acknowledge the impossibility of human perfection. Containing the original foreword by Alan Watts, the book is illustrated with beautiful calligraphy by the author, and photographs by Si Chi Ko, one of China's "National Treasures".

This timeless masterpiece is essential reading for anybody interested in Taoism, Tai Ji, or the Tao philosophy of "Living Our Own Tao", and the author is a wonderful, dramatic, and inspiring presence throughout the book.

Reviews

'This book will bring a smile to your face, a feeling of peace to your spirit, and sense of warmth as you are taken on an experiential journey of the true essence of tai ji with a master teacher.... The reader is taken along a week long set of workshops with Master Huang and you feel as if you were truly in a beautiful resort community complete with ambiance and the sights and sounds of nature. One feels encouraged, guided and given permission to feel, to explore each nuance of movement in doing a tie ji practice....This book will appeal to many people who are currently or have been studying tie ji for years while at the same time presents the raw beginner with valuable insights and visualizations to bring this art form to life. It is a book that will bring a smile and warmth to your very being as you are brought through the many lessons taught in the book.'
- Yang-Sheng Online Journal